It's hard to beat a sunny day or evening at a local ball field with a promise of a hot dog, red vines and garlic fries. And I mean baseball is cool too. 

While stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord there are three semi-local options to catch a minor league or major league baseball game. Two minor league options - the Tacoma Rainiers and Everett AquaSox - and then the Mariners, our state's major league team located in Seattle.

Let's start with the team that plays closest to JBLM, the Tacoma Rainiers. This AAA minor league team plays their games about twenty minutes from base, depending on traffic, at Cheney Stadium. Their 2021 schedule has them playing at home through Sept. 14. Concessions inside the ballpark include Ivar's, Kid Valley, Invincibles Pizza, R Haus and more. Individual and group ticket prices are available, as well as season passes. The Rainiers also have a military package that is a $3,000 value for only $300, or they offer $1 off all ticket prices for military throughout the season. To find out more about this seasons happenings and to learn about all COVID-19 restrictions at the ballpark, visit https://www.milb.com/tacoma.

Next up to bat are the Seattle Mariners. About an hour drive from JBLM you will find Washington's major league baseball team playing at T-Mobile Park. You will also find the most amazing garlic fries around, but we will get to that. The Mariners regular season runs through Oct. 5 with ticket prices ranging depending on which game you want to attend and the section of the stadium you want to sit in. It's important to note that tickets can only be purchased online and are digital only due to COVID-19. A 10% off select seating throughout the park military discount is available on tickets. 

Concessions at the park are currently cashless, but if paying with card you can indulge in many stadium favorites. While the amount of vendors has been limited this year, there is still plenty to indulge in. We will start with what the stadium is known for, the garlic fries which can be found at various vendors throughout the stadium. Just follow the intense trail of garlic and you will be sure to find them. Lil' Woody's and Ballard Pizza company are also great options along with Salt and Straw, a delicious ice cream shop which is making its debut into the stadium this season. 

Located about an hour and a half from JBLM, the second minor league baseball option is the Everett AquaSox who play at Funko Field in Everett. This minor league schedule will run with home games through Sept. 19. When it comes to the concessions they're all about supporting local food and drink purveyors. This includes local brews from Three Bull Brewing in Snohomish and local coffee from Diedrich Espresso. Plenty of local food vendors are available at the park as well. For more information on purchasing tickets and to follow along with COVID-19 restrictions visit https://www.milb.com/everett.